Health Ministry Reports Foreign Tourist Contracts Mpox After Contact with Strangers; Warns MSM Groups to Watch for Symptoms
Thailand's Health Ministry confirmed a foreign tourist contracted mpox after sexual contact with strangers in tourist areas, bringing the country's total cases to 1,074 with 16 deaths. Health officials are urging men who have sex with men t
The Public Health Ministry reported on May 19, 2025, that Thailand has 1,074 accumulated confirmed mpox cases with 16 deaths. During weeks 18-19 (April 26-May 9), two new Clade Ib mpox cases were confirmed: the first was a Thai man who fell ill on April 22 with risk behavior involving sexual contact with strangers, and the second was a Thai man with close contact risk exposure at a crowded tourist destination during a festival.
Dr. Manthian Kanaswadi, Director-General of the Disease Control Department, reported that an international health coordinator also reported a foreign tourist visiting Thailand who engaged in risky sexual behavior with strangers in tourist areas. The patient was aged 25-40, with the primary risk factor being close physical and sexual contact, particularly among men who have sex with men (MSM).
Mpox Clade Ib shows increasing transmission trends, with 18 accumulated cases since 2567 (2024), and no deaths. Since the beginning of 2569 (2025), six cases have been reported with no deaths, mostly male (four cases), with most transmission from close physical contact. The best prevention is avoiding close contact with symptomatic individuals and avoiding sexual contact with strangers or those with suspicious skin rashes. The Disease Control Department has instructed all public health units to monitor, screen, and closely track patients, particularly in tourist areas and high-risk service facilities.
Dr. Direk Khamphaen, Deputy Director-General, emphasized that mpox is preventable if people avoid risky behavior, particularly sexual contact with strangers at exclusive tourist venues or arranged through social media. He stressed prevention measures including avoiding close contact with those showing rashes, not sharing personal items, frequent handwashing, consistent condom use, and avoiding sexual contact with strangers. Anyone with suspected symptoms such as fever, rash, or bumps, especially in genital or body areas with a history of risk within 21 days, should immediately consult a doctor and disclose their risk history for proper diagnosis and treatment. The Disease Control Department confirmed that Thailand has effective surveillance and treatment systems, and urged public cooperation in continuous disease prevention. For more information, call the Disease Control Department hotline at 1-4.
